Varamahalakshmi Vratha

VARAMAHALAKSHMI Vratha is celebrated all over south India on the second Friday of

Shravana month. Origin of this Vratha dates back to the Vedic age. Lord Shiva describes the glory of this Vratha in Skanda Purana. On this day, the Divine Mother Mahalakshmi (wife of Lord Vishnu and Goddess of wealth) is worshipped since she is the abode of all auspiciousness and prosperity.

Significance : On this auspicious day, married women worship Goddess Mahalakshmi and pray for prosperity, peace and happiness for their families and long life for their husbands.

The process of the Vratha : Goddess Lakshmi is invoked in a Kalasha (a silver pot) filled with rice and dry fruits or water and coins as the custom may be. The Kalasha is placed on a bed of rice before the Rahukalam , signifying the entry of the Goddess into the house. Coconut smeared with sandal paste, vermillion and turmeric is placed on the silver pot with fresh mango leaves around it.

An image of the Goddess made of different materials, especially of silver, is affixed to the Kalasha, which is deemed to be the Goddess herself.

The ritual : The Goddess of wealth is decorated with various flowers, jewellery and a new silk saree. She is also offered cash, gold and other valuables. Married woman wear new sarees and perform the pooja with their husbands and seek the blessings of the Divine Mother for prosperity, progeny and good health. The sacred yellow thread is tied on right wrist after performing the Vratha.

Celebration : Women folk from the family and neighbourhood are invited for the Arathi in the evening and offered vermilion or kum-kum.

Married women perform the Varamahalakshmi Vratha with strict observance of certain practices and austerities and remain on a fast.

Those who do not perform the Vratha , celebrate the festival in a simple way by offering pooja to Mahalakshmi.

Festival Menu : Normally, Holige is prepared on this auspicious day and offered as naivedhyam to the Goddess. Payasam, chitranna and other sweets form the menu.

As the name Varamahalakshmi goes, indeed the Goddess Mahalakshmi bestows a boon on all those who worship her.